P202M smuggled mackerel from China seized at Port of Manila

Authorities have seized smuggled frozen mackerel valued at P202 million at the Port of Manila, discovered in a shipment originating from China.

The shipment was misdeclared as frozen fried taro in an attempt to circumvent customs regulations.

The shipment was put on hold on January 20, with an alert order issued on February 13, leading to physical inspections.

Following examinations on February 18 and 19, a warrant of seizure and detention was issued for violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel inspected the confiscated goods.

Rubio emphasized that the BOC remains steadfast in preventing the illegal entry of agricultural products into the Philippines to protect local farmers and national food security.